Below is a snapshot of current funding opportunities that help achieve state goals and priorities for increased water and energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions.

2018 Integrated Regional Water Management Grant Program

Administered by DWR, Round 1 of the IRWM Implementation Grant provides funds for projects that support statewide priorities and contribute to regional water self-reliance. These projects may include water reuse and recycling for non-potable projects, water-use efficiency and water conservation, groundwater recharge projects, capture and treatment of rainwater or stormwater, water desalination, and projects that improve water quality (e.g. drinking water treatment, groundwater aquifer remediation). 10 percent of grand funds are reserved for projects that directly benefit disadvantaged communities (DACs).

Grant Solicitation Guidelines

GRANT AMOUNT

Total:

$510 million

Round 1:

Approximately $194 million (*allocated between the 12 designated funding areas as shown in the below map and table)
FUNDING SET ASIDE At least 10% [$51 million] for projects directly benefiting DACs (The DAC definition for this grant is defined as a community with an annual MHI that is less than 80 percent of the Statewide annual MHI as stated in Water Code §79702(j) which refers to Water Code §79505.5.)
MATCH REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 50% of total eligible project costs, except for projects that benefit DACs/EDAs including the following breakdowns:

  • 76%-100%: 100% of cost share waiver
  • 51%-75%: 75 percent cost share reduction waiver
  • 25%-50%: 50 percent cost share reduction waiver
  • Less than 25%: No cost share reduction waiver
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Public agencies, non-profit organizations, public utilities, federally recognized Indian tribes, California Native American Tribes, and mutual water companies
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

1.     Must be included in an adopted IRWM Plan (Water Code §79740) that is consistent with the 2016 plan standards and:

a.     Address the most critical needs of the IRWM region

b.     Be consistent with statewide priorities identified in the Grant Program Guidelines

c.     Have an expected useful life of at least 15 years

d.     Have CEQA completed and permits to begin construction within 6 months of funding award or prior to agreement execution

2.     Must respond to climate change and contribute to regional water self-reliance
PROJECT TYPES

Subject to regional priorities, projects may include the following elements:

  • Water reuse and recycling for non-potable reuse and direct and indirect potable reuse
  • Water-use efficiency and water conservation
  • Local and regional surface and underground water storage
  • Groundwater recharge projects
  • Regional water conveyance facilities
  • Management, treatment or capture of rainwater or stormwater
  • Water desalination projects
  • Improvement of water quality (e.g. drinking water treatment and distribution, groundwater aquifer remediation, wastewater treatment and water pollution prevention)

Round 1 Funding Areas

Funding Area

Prop 1 Allocation

(Millions)

Previous Awards

(Millions)

 Grant Funds Remaining Max Available Per Category
DAC General DAC General
North Coast $26.5 $2.65 $2.65 $18.55 $927,500 $9,275,000
San Francisco $65 $6.5 $6.5 $45.5 $2,275,000 $22,750,000
Central Coast $43 $4.58 $4.3 $29.81 $1,505,000 $14,909,441
Los Angeles $98 $9.8 $9.8 $68.6 $3,430,000 $34,300,000
Santa Ana $63 $6.55 $6.3 $43.85 $2,205,000 $21,925,000
San Diego $52.5 $5.8 $5.25 $36.19 $1,837,500 $18,099,325
Sacramento River $37 $4.01 $3.7 $25.58 $1,295,000 $12,792,889
San Joaquin River $31 $3.32 $3.1 $21.48 $1,085,000 $10,742,438
Tulare/Kern $34 $4.15 $3.4 $23.04 $1,190,000 $11,524,056
North/South Lahontan $24.5 $3.29 $2.45 $16.3 $857,500 $8,154,485
Colorado River $22.5 $3.85 $2.25 $14.15 $787,500 $7,075,765
Mountain Counties $13 $1.38 $1.3 $9.01 $455,000 $4,508,047
Total: $510 $55.89 $51 M $352.11 M $17.85 M $176.056 M
Total to be awarded in Round 1: $193.906 Million

*Source Round 1 IRWM Implementation Grant Proposal Solicitation Package

Figure: Proposition 1 Funding Areas

*Source: 2018 Integrated Regional Water Management Grant Program Guidelines, October 2018

Water Recycling Funding Program- Pilot Project Grants

The SWRCB provides funding for the planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects that offset or augment state fresh water supplies. The Pilot Project Grants will assist public agencies in the construction of pilot projects for new potable reuse. These projects must develop new information to increase the knowledge and understanding of innovative applications of new and current technologies.

Grant Guidelines

ADMINISTERING AGENCY State Water Resource Control Board's Division of Financial Assistance
FUNDS AVAILABLE Eligible project can receive grant funds up to 35% of actual eligible pilot study construction costs incurred up to a maximum of $1 million.
FUNDING SOURCE

Water Recycling Projects are funded through grants and loans from the following sources:

  • The Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Act (2000 Bond Law, Proposition 13). This source primarily provides funds for water recycling facilities planning grants.
  • The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014; (2014 Bond Law, Proposition 1). Proposition 1 provides grant and low interest financing for water recycling projects.
  • The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program provides low interest loans.
MATCH REQUIREMENTS At least 50% of local cost share match must be provided but may be provided using CWSRF financing.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Local public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations qualified to do business in California, public utilities, federally recognized Indian tribes, state Indian tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission’s California Tribal Consultation List, and mutual water companies.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
  1. Must offset or augment state fresh water supplies.
  2. The pilot project MUST develop new information that does not currently exist and increase the body of knowledge regarding technologies that help the understanding of how potable reuse can be effectively achieved through the innovative application of current and new technologies.
  3. Have adequate and complete environmental documentation (CEQA).
  4. The total eligible project capacity shall be delivered within 5 calendar years of operation from the date of Initiation of Operations.
  5. Applicant must deliver no less than 25% of the eligible project capacity within the first calendar year of operation.
  6. Must submit annual reports on recycled water use data, with the first report due February 28th following one full year of operation. Annual reporting continues for up to 5 years (at discretion of staff).
KEY DATES
  • October 18 - November 16, 2018: Applications accepted online via FAAST tool
  • November - December 2018: Division staff  to review applications
  • December - January 2019: Division staff will prepare Proposed Funding List for approval
  • February 2019: Proposed funding list approved
  • March - June 2019: Division staff to prepare financing agreements
CONTACT

For questions or comments contact the Water Recycling Funding Program's Division of Financial Assistance:

Michael Downey: (916) 324-8404

*Source: SWRCB's Water Recycling Funding Program Guidelines, Amended June 16, 2015.